Even though some may think that the death of a grandparent is somewhat expected, this couldn’t be further from the truth about my grandma.
Even the pastor yesterday said, “I was surprised when reminded of Dorothy’s age (81). She always seemed so much younger than she was.”
My grandma was truly one of those special people that only come along once in a while. She existed to inspire and amaze others.
Her death was the result of a sudden turn of events. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma about five weeks ago. It was the final stage. It was an aggressive form.
Five weeks ago, Grandma was not feeling well, but she was up, talking with others in her beautiful Santa Ana home. She was e-mailing. She was planning parties. She knew how to plan a good party.
And, now, she is gone.
I do not feel as though I was done learning from her yet. I’m sure the lessons from her up above will keep coming. But just her presence in this world was a reminder of strength, humility, creativity, grace, class, and energy. The characteristics in myself that I am most proud of, I hope come from her. I hope to only be able to live life like she did – with an adventurous, loving spirit.
Listening to the speakers yesterday in the beautiful Crystal Cathedral, one could only be impressed by the list of accomplishments and interests in my grandma’s life: entrepreneur, national speaker, world traveler, a painter and artist, an author of 8 books, a gardener…
She was my grandma…
She was a bit of a pin-up babe in her younger years.
She was always ahead of her time. Tolerant and accepting toward all others, approaching life and the world with a curious mind when those around her in her generation many times closed themselves off from anything other than “traditional.” Hanging above her bed, was a gorgeous nude of a young woman, and the face on this nude? Her own.
It’s hard to define charisma. She had it. I know that. She leaves you wanting for more.
If she had lived to be 120, she would have left me wanting for more.
Wanting for more of her. Always.
32 comments:
I'm so sorry that you have lost your grandma. I have one grandparent left living, but she was lost to dementia years ago. I miss all of them profoundly.
I am so sorry for your loss. Its so hard. I lost my great granny last year. Your grandma sounds like an extraordinary woman!
She sounds like an unusual, amazing lady. So sorry for your loss.
My mom's name was Dorothy Ann. I'm sorry you lost your grandma. It doesn't matter how old we are, losing anyone important to us sucks and is difficult.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family!
Dorothy was "one" that truly was unique. I also feel like I had more to learn from her. She will be missed.
She sounded like she was an amazing woman. I am sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry. Thinking of you.
What a sweet and loving post. I really am sorry for your sadness. I've learned a little bit about life in this category this year and am confident in saying your heart will heal. Take comfort in the great life she lead and all the wonderful memories she's left for you.
Sounds like she will be keeping the dancefloor in heaven warm for you! You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship with your grandma. Cherish it. I wish you well in your period of mourning. x
sorry for your loss. you describe her beautifully.
So sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss Kristy... she really was an inspiration... your writing speaks for itself..
hugs
LIke everyone else I am very sorry for your loss, it doesn't matter if it's expected or unexpected, it hurts. She sounds amazing!! Sending you love.
What a beautiful post. I am so sorry for your loss. As you say, she is in your heart. You will always have her close.
Pin-up babe, I'd say!
I'm sorry for your loss. I can tell just from your post was a tremendously terrific person she was.
Sounds like a woman of style and class. I know you will miss her terribly. Thinking of you
Mrs Woog
oxo
This is such a wonderful tribute to your grandma. She was an amazing person. I lived in Colorado Springs once upon a time, beautiful area.
She sounds like a very special lady indeed and I can more easily see now why she held such a treasured spot in your heart. Beautiful tribute Kristy.
What an amazing woman she must have been Kristy. I'm so sorry for your loss. It must be so difficult. Thinking of you xoxox
Wow, what a Renaissance woman! Eight books, a painter, an artist, and a world traveler!!! Yes, I'd always want to ask her more about her life and experiences too. What an incredible woman and an incredible life. Kristy, I'm sorry for your loss. This is never an easy one, especially when it's your grandmother...
My sympathies, as well. Sounds like you have some great memories.
A beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. Wish I'd known you were so close - I would've come and given you a hug.
Love learning about women like her! She lives on thanks to you.
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My condolences - your grandma sounds like an amazing woman.
I'm so sorry for your loss. How lucky you were to have shared the same path for a time with such a beautiful soul, xo
This is such a beautiful tribute. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman. Yet another person I wish I'd had the chance to know.
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma Kristy. May she rest in peace.
She sounds like an amazing woman who was way ahead of her time and this is a lovely tribute to her.
xx Jazzy
Oh, I hear that. Whenever I hear someone say that "at least the person who passed had a long, full life", I respond with "well, that just meant I had more time to love them".
You know what I mean.
I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing lady...and that kind of strength doesn't go away...you'll see. She'll let you know that she's around.
Hugs. I know exactly what you mean. She was an amazing lady, and she left a legacy of love behind her.
I'm sorry for your loss Kristy :(. She sounds like a remarkable woman and if I gain anything from your writing then I believe that you have many of her wonderful traits also.
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